A Virtual instruments (VI) are software-based tools that create sounds that mimic exactly the behaviour and sound of traditional instruments:
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Types
A VI can be a complex instruments, like sample sound libraries and synthesizers or other manufacturers of all types of organ, both pipe and electronic, or effects, like MIDI effects
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Capabilities
A VI can create a wide range of sounds, from realistic emulations of acoustic instruments to entirely synthetic sounds.
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Use
A VI can be used in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or as a standalone instrument.
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Components
A VI is made up of two main parts: a front panel (the user interface) and a block diagram (graphical source code).
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ResourcesA VI will use a computer’s CPU, RAM, and disk space to produce a given sound. VI’s are a shift from traditional hardware-based instrumentation systems to software-based systems. They allow users to create music without the need to have or play live instruments, hardware synthesizers and electronic organs.